The Chadar Trek is unlike any other in Ladakh — or anywhere else in India. It takes you across the frozen surface of the Zanskar River, which transforms into a solid sheet of ice (the ‘chadar’ or blanket) during peak winter. Over 8–10 days, trekkers walk, slide, and sometimes crawl over this ice highway through narrow gorges, towering cliffs, and remote valleys, retracing a route that for centuries has been the only winter connection for the isolated Zanskari people.
Trek Duration: 8–10 days
Altitude Range: 3,200 m to 3,800 m
Best Time to Visit: Mid-January to Mid-February
Difficulty: High (extreme cold, remote conditions)
Permit: Mandatory (environmental + medical clearance)
Trek Type: Out-and-back trail on frozen riverbed
Day 1–3: Arrival & Acclimatization in Leh
Arrive in Leh (3,500 m); spend at least 2–3 days acclimatizing.
Undergo medical checkups and mandatory environmental briefings.
Explore Spituk Monastery, local markets, and warm cafés while adjusting to the altitude.
Day 4: Leh to Tilat Sumdo – First Steps on Ice
Drive from Leh to Chilling and onwards to Tilat Sumdo, the starting point.
First encounter with the frozen river – practice walking on ice.
Overnight camp near the riverbank.
Day 5–6: Tilat Sumdo to Tibb Cave
Gradual trek through majestic gorges; ice patterns change constantly.
Camp at Tibb Cave, a natural rock shelter used for centuries by traders and nomads.
Day 7: Tibb to Nerak – The Heart of Chadar
Reach Nerak, marked by a breathtaking frozen waterfall.
Explore the nearby Nerak village, depending on trail conditions.
Camp near the waterfall or within snow-covered canyons.
Day 8–9: Return Trek to Tilat Sumdo & Drive Back to Leh
Retrace steps over shifting ice – a new challenge every day.
Final night in Leh; warm food and a well-deserved hot shower!
A Frozen Highway Through the Himalayas
The Zanskar River doesn’t freeze in one smooth sheet — it breathes and reshapes daily. One morning you’re gliding across polished glass, the next, skirting past ice boulders or listening for cracking sounds underfoot.
Winter Wonderland Landscapes
From frozen waterfalls that hang like crystal chandeliers to narrow canyon trails hemmed by vertical cliffs, the scenery is otherworldly and dramatic. Blue skies and white terrain make for perfect photography — if your fingers can bear the cold!
Cultural Bridges
For the Zanskari villagers, this trek isn’t about adventure — it’s survival. It’s the route they’ve used for trade, supplies, and even school commutes during Ladakh’s harshest season. Their resilience is inspiring and humbling.
Share stories with Zanskari porters, who often double as chefs, guides, and entertainers.
Camp in natural caves or tents beside the frozen river under a brilliant winter sky.
Try butter tea, tsampa (roasted barley flour), and other traditional meals served hot by the riverside.
Temperature Range: -10°C to -25°C (sometimes lower at night)
Facilities: No lodges; trekking is entirely supported by tents and logistics teams.
Communication: No network or WiFi; satellite phones only in emergencies.
Rescue Access: Limited – medical evacuation is difficult. Mandatory fitness and health checks are non-negotiable.
Acclimatize properly: Spend at least 3 days in Leh before trekking.
Gear up right: Use high-quality, waterproof boots, warm base layers, insulated gloves, and windproof jackets.
Hydration is key: Carry insulated water bottles – water freezes fast.
Respect the river: Avoid jumping, stomping, or making loud noises on unstable ice patches.
Travel in a group: Solo trekking on Chadar is dangerous and not advised.
Start Point: Tilat Sumdo (~70 km from Leh, drive via Chilling)
End Point: Nerak or beyond, depending on ice conditions
Return: Retrace the same route; river is your only trail
Transport: 4×4 vehicles from Leh (weather-dependent)
Before or after the trek, make time to explore:
Leh Market: Stock up on winter gear or souvenirs
Spituk Monastery: Offers sunrise views of the Indus Valley
Zanskar-Indus Confluence: Where two iconic rivers meet
Lingshed Village (summer access only): Deep in Zanskar’s cultural heartland
The Chadar Trek isn’t just a trek — it’s an expedition into the wild heart of winter. You walk not just through snow and ice, but across centuries of tradition, survival, and natural wonder. It tests your endurance, humility, and appreciation for life in one of the harshest yet most beautiful places on Earth.
If you’re seeking a raw, real, once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan experience, Chadar delivers — frozen river, beating heart.
